Hengaw’s exclusive investigation into the death of a young victim of child marriage from Khoy

Hengaw - Mondey, July 17, 2023

Raheleh Rahdar, a fifteen-year-old girl residing in the Qatur district of Khoy, has tragically lost her life due to an “act of honor” violence, attributed to her alleged involvement in a romantic relationship. Raheleh Rahdar, a victim of coerced child marriage, was compelled by her family to marry at the tender age of 14.

As per an official report obtained by the Hengaw organization for Human Rights, on Thursday, July 13th, 2023, Raheleh Rahdar, a fifteen-year-old victim of child marriage, was fatally assaulted at her parents' residence in the Razi village of Kutul (Qatur) in Khoy city, reportedly by both her both parents.
 

Recent findings reveal that Raheleh Rahdar's parents, along with her spouse, strangled her using a scarf, initially masking the incident as a “alleged suicide”. Subsequently, during the course of an investigation, they confessed to the premeditated murder of their daughter.
 

It has come to light that eight months prior, Raheleh Rahdar, while had only fourteen-year-old, was coerced by her parents into marrying a man approximately twelve years older. In the days leading up to her tragic killing, her husband accused her of engaging in an extramarital affair. Upon returning to her parents' home, she fell victim to their ultimate act of violence.
 

Prior to  Raheleh Rahdar's parents confessed their responsibility for her untimely death, Hengaw, citing local sources in Qatur, initially reported her death as a result of suicide, ostensibly influenced by familial pressures. Subsequently, it became evident that her parents disseminated this narrative to the community, deliberately concealing their criminal actions.